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The Budget Babe is a blog for hotties on a budget, featuring the latest cheap-chic fashion news, designer and celebrity looks-for-less, and honest reports on the places we all love to shop.Read more >>

Thursday, December 15. 2011

A few days ago, my doorbell rang and I opened the door to discover a ginormous box on my front steps. At first I assumed it was the snowblower my husband recently purchased online, but then I saw a purple sticker with the words "ABC Family." Clearly, this was not the snowblower. Then, a lightbulb went on and misty memories from a few weeks back crept into my mind, reminding me that I had, in fact, applied to participate in a blogger challenge hosted by ABC Family in conjunction with their upcoming show, Jane by Design (premieres Tuesday, January 3 at 9/8c on ABC Family).

Jane by Design is a show about a teenager who is mistaken for an adult and gets hired to work for a a high powered executive in the cutthroat, albeit fabulous, world of fashion.

{The mysterious contents of the chest include a body form, tacky Christmas sweater and pretzels.}

My challenge, as it were, is to imagine that I am interviewing for the open blogging position at Donovan Decker, the hip fashion house where Jane works. Each week, I'll be given a different challenge. If I pass the test and make it through each round, I'll win the grand prize - a mention on the show!

Clearly I can't do this myself, I will need your help and support and words of encouragement. My first challenge is to go shopping with a $50 giftcard and then do a haul video about my finds. A HAUL VIDEO. Eek! Am I terrified? Yes. Excited? Most definitely.

But don't let me have all the stress fun. Head to the Style by Jane Facebook page and share your own haul videos or just give a shout-out (mention BB sent you!)

I did a little shopping today and my plan is to finish up tomorrow, so stay tuned to see what I hauled, ya'll.

In case you haven't heard, the latest addition to the BeachMint family is called BeautyMint, created by fashion powerhouse Jessica Simpson and Beverly Hills skin care expert Nerida Joy.

If JewelMint is for jewelry, StyleMint is for tees and ShoeMint is for shoes, then (you guessed it!) BeautyMint is for beauty, specifically, a personalized monthly skin care system featuring exclusive products developed by Nerida.

Here's how it works: Start by answering a series of questions that will determine your customized skin care regimen. Then, take your pick between two packages: the Comprehensive 4-Piece System ($39.99/month) or the Advanced 5-Piece System ($49.99/month). BeautyMint.com has a satisfaction guarantee so you can return any items you're not happy with. If you would like to skip a month you can do so up to 2 days before your billing date.

I like the idea of a personalized skin care system. Since I turned the big 3-0, I feel like I could use some professional advice to pick the right items because there are so many to choose from.

Have you tried BeautyMint yet? Are you gonna? Let me know in the comments. And if you want to give it a try, use coupon code BUDGETBM to get $20 off your first month until 12/31.

On the set of Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester's character wore an emerald green DVF coat paired with a bright pink scarf and Milly plaid skirt. I'm not sure what the rest of her outfit looks like so I improvised with a black turtleneck sweater. And I sorta cheated by including the original designer skirt, couldn't find anything remotely similar...at least it's on sale?!